Showing posts with label drugs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drugs. Show all posts

Shoreline police have technology to quickly identify drugs

Thursday, June 22, 2023

TruNarc identifies illegal drugs

Identifying illegal drugs comes with numerous risks, including exposure to harmful substances. 

To protect our officers from the dangers of drug exposure such as fentanyl, the Shoreline Police has implemented TruNarc; a handheld device that uses laser technology to identify substances quickly and accurately.

With the push of a button, TruNarc determines the chemical composition of drugs, through transparent packaging such as bags or glass bottles, in a matter of seconds. 

This helps prevent accidents, reduce risks to individuals, and the community.
 
With innovative technologies and commitment to safety, we can work towards creating a safer and more secure community for everyone.


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Get access to FREE naloxone for yourself, your friends in case of drug overdose

Sunday, June 11, 2023


Naloxone works on opioids, such as: heroin, fentanyl, oxycontin / oxycodone and other opioid pain medications. If the victim presents with the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, naloxone should be administered regardless of what drug was assumed to have been consumed. 

Washington's Good Samaritan Law provides some protection when calling 9-1-1 to save a life — even if drugs are at the scene. (RCW 69.50.315). 

You should give naloxone to anyone who has taken drugs and may be overdosing. Someone who is overdosing may stop breathing or their breathing may be slow and labored. Act fast! An overdose is life threatening. 

Give naloxone even if you do not know what kind of drugs a person took.  Naloxone will only work on opioids, but there is no harm if they took a different kind of drug.
Access to free naloxone (Narcan)


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DOJ: Marysville man who ran fentanyl pill mill from his garage sentenced to 15 years in prison

Friday, June 9, 2023

A Marysville, Washington, man was sentenced June 7, 2023 in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 15 years in prison for three federal felonies connected to the fentanyl pill manufacturing lab in his rental home, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. 

Jose Eduardo Garnica, 34, pleaded guilty in March 2023 to conspiracy to manufacture and deliver controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Tana Lin said, “This is one of the largest fentanyl seizures in the district. Mr. Garnica had so much fentanyl a hazmat team had to be called in.”

“This case weaves together all the strands that make fentanyl trafficking such a dangerous business,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. 

Mr. Garnica was manufacturing fentanyl pills with deadly powders that could make each pill lethal. His activities contaminated the home he rented, and he had 27 guns – many of them high powered assault weapons – adding to the danger. This is a significant prison sentence, but appropriate due to the risk he posed to our community.”

According to records filed in the case, Garnica came to the attention of law enforcement on June 17, 2022, when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Los Angeles inspected a package shipped from China to Garnica’s Marysville address. 

The package was labeled “furniture parts,” but in fact it contained dies for use in a pill press that would make pills that appear to have the markings of oxycodone pills. 

Further investigation of Garnica and Wilson revealed numerous unusual cash transactions and the purchase of 11 firearms in a three-month span of 2020. 
In fact, when law enforcement searched the home, agents seized 27 guns and 25 kilos of fentanyl. Law enforcement also seized 50,000 rounds of ammunition.

On July 21, 2022, agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI executed search warrants at the Marysville residence and seized the pill press and other materials for making fake oxycodone pills in the garage. 

Officers called a hazmat team to secure the lab due to the potentially deadly nature of fentanyl powder. Investigators determined that fentanyl residue had spread from the manufacturing location in the garage, throughout the house. The spread may have been caused by the HVAC system. Garnica has agreed to pay more than $71,000 to the owner of the home to remediate the residence.

In addition to the pill press and fentanyl powder, law enforcement found kilo sized bricks of fentanyl pills that appeared to have been smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico. 

Also of great concern, some of the pills Garnica was manufacturing also contained Xylazine – a sedative used in veterinary medicine that has been linked to more deaths. In some instances, those injected with Xylazine had had tissue damage requiring amputation.

In asking for an 18-year prison sentence, Assistant United States Attorney Vince Lombardi cited the unique danger of fentanyl and the heavy toll of fatal overdoses in King County. 

“…Fentanyl overdose deaths have continued to soar in the Seattle area. Overdose deaths attributable in whole or in part to fentanyl have risen from just 22 in 2016 to 709 in 2022. 
"As of May 26, more than 500 overdose deaths were attributable to fentanyl for 2023 to date – a pace that puts King County at more than 1,000 overdose deaths by year end.”

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI with assistance from the Washington State Patrol, National Guard Civil Service Team, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Custom and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, the Snohomish County Drug Task Force, and the Skagit County Drug Task Force.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vince Lombardi.


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Shoreline Police book suspect and confiscate 13 pounds of heroin

Saturday, May 27, 2023

$460,000 of drugs are now off the streets
Photo courtesy Shoreline Police

On Thursday May 25, 2 023, the Shoreline Police Department’s Special Emphasis Team (SET), Criminal Investigations Unit, Patrol, along with Precinct 4 (Burien/White Center) SET completed an operation resulting in the seizure of 13 pounds of heroin and $3,839 in cash.

$460,000 of drugs are now off the streets and one suspect was booked into custody for pending investigation/charges.

This operation was the result of a long-term effort, with countless hours of investigation by detectives. 

The Shoreline Police/King County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to keeping or communities safe.


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UW Medicine to facilitate state-mandated psilocybin trial

Wednesday, May 17, 2023


In early May, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5263 governing recreational and medical use of psilocybin. The new law mandates that the University of Washington School of Medicine facilitate a study to explore the potential therapeutic value of the psychedelic compound found in mushrooms.

“The big benchmark in the bill says that we need to start (treating) people Jan. 1, 2025. We have about a year and a half to get all the infrastructure developed,” said addiction psychiatrist Dr. Nathan Sackett, who will oversee the trial. He’s an acting assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences.

Little is known about how psilocybin affects mental health. Early studies have shown positive results, and clinical trials underway in the United States and abroad are intended to explore more deeply how psilocybin-assisted therapy might help people with depression, anxiety and other difficult-to-treat maladies.

Sackett said the Seattle-based trial will include 30 to 40 military veterans and first-responders who have documented problems with post-traumatic stress and alcohol use disorders, which are often linked. 

Participants will likely be recruited through community groups who already work with prospective participants.

To learn more, read this blog post


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Shoreline Police make arrests in two incidents of suspects brandishing a gun

Friday, May 12, 2023

Weapons and ammunition removed from home of Shoreline suspect who threatened neighbor with an assault rifle. Photo courtesy Shoreline Police.

In the first reported incident, an individual threatened a neighbor with an assault rifle (location not provided). Officers responded quickly to the 911 call, obtained a search warrant and removed multiple weapons and ammunition from the suspect’s residence.

The suspect was arrested and charged with assault in the first degree. 

We couldn’t have done it without the diligent and extraordinary teamwork of our Criminal Investigations Unit, Special Emphasis Team detectives, and Patrol Officers.

Guns, ammunition, and drugs were confiscated from the vehicle of a man who was brandishing a gun at a Shoreline bar on 15th NE. Photo courtesy Shoreline Police.

In the second incident, Shoreline Police officers responded to a call about a man brandishing a gun at a bar in the 14500 block of 15th Ave NE. 

Thanks to the quick response and coordination of Shoreline officers, they were able to arrest the suspect and impound his vehicle for further investigation. With the assistance of the Criminal Investigations Unit and a Patrol Officer, a search warrant was executed, and the following items were seized:
  • 2 handguns (1 stolen)
  • Ammunition
  • Crystal Meth
  • Fentanyl Powder (59 grams)
  • Heroin
  • MDA Powder
  • 60 Fentanyl Pills (M30’s)
Police arrested the suspect and impounded his vehicle.


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Salomon bill providing framework for access to psilocybin passes Senate

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Sen. Jesse Salomon D-32
OLYMPIA— Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-32 Shoreline) will put Washington on the road to allow access to regulated psilocybin services for wellness purposes.

Senate Bill 5263, which passed on a 41-7 vote with broad bipartisan support, aims to provide advice and recommendations on developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for access to regulated psilocybin services for people over 21.

The bill, as originally filed by Salomon, would have legalized the supervised use of psilocybin and would have made it available for wellness purposes at a registered facility with appropriate supervision.

Changes made to the bill in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee have turned this legislation into an analysis bill which looks to create a task force and a state board to research the creation of a regulated psilocybin program. Although the changes made in committee may seem like roadblocks, Salomon considers this legislation to be important progress made.

“This bill is a big step in the right direction,” said Salomon. “This topic is new to many legislators, but this bill will facilitate well-informed conversations to create a safe and regulated process for psilocybin access in a near future.”

Psilocybin has been shown in FDA-approved studies to provide users a safe and effective method to alleviate symptoms of depression, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health disorders. It has also shown to be effective at easing fear and anxiety in people with terminal illness and has also proven to increase emotional empathy, creative thinking, mindfulness, and insightfulness in patients.

Veterans have become leading advocates in the push to allow legal access to psilocybin, sharing personal stories during committee hearings about how their own experiences with psychedelics have helped them cope with trauma and helped treat their anxiety and depression. 

In a state where many residents live with mental illness and a large number have seen their mental health decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, psychedelic usage — monitored by trained professionals — is a key to healing for some people.

This bill gained broad support across the political spectrum since the beginning of legislative session. Almost half of the Senate signed on as co-sponsors, including two Republicans, the Senate majority leader, and the chair of the Labor and Commerce Committee.

Before the vote on the Senate floor, Republican Senator Ann Rivers said,
“About a year ago, this was the craziest thing we’d ever heard and I couldn’t imagine ever voting for this but as we heard the testimony from notable scholars from Harvard, Stanford and other places in the world talking about the progress patients had been making in terms of PTSD and severe clinical depression, our arms began to unfold and we leaned in on the conversation. I am certainly supporting and I encourage others to support this legislation.”

This bill is now headed to the house for consideration.

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.


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AG sues Food and Drug Administration for excessively burdensome regulation on abortion drug

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today he is leading a multistate federal lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accusing it of singling out one of the two drugs used for medication abortions for excessively burdensome regulation, despite ample evidence that the drug is safer than Tylenol.

Today’s lawsuit is Ferguson’s tenth case filed against the Biden administration. Of those cases, Ferguson’s office has four legal victories and has yet to lose a case.

The lawsuit, co-led by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. Nevada, Delaware, Arizona, Illinois, Connecticut, Colorado, Vermont, New Mexico, Michigan and Rhode Island also joined the lawsuit.

“The federal government has known for years that mifepristone is safe and effective,” Ferguson said. 
“In the wake of the Supreme Court’s radical decision overturning Roe v. Wade, the FDA is now exposing doctors, pharmacists and patients to unnecessary risk. The FDA’s excessive restrictions on this important drug have no basis in medical science.”
More information here



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Salomon bill would allow psilocybin use among adults over age 21 under supervision

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Sen. Jesse Salomon D-32
OLYMPIA—Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline) has introduced SB 5263 which would legalize and regulate the supervised use of psilocybin and make it available for wellness purposes. 

It would allow people aged 21 and over to undergo a psychedelic experience at a registered facility with appropriate supervision.

A previous version of the bill introduced during the 2022 legislative session failed to advance past committee. Like the previous bill, the 2023 version regulates supported adult use which has been shown in FDA-approved studies to provide users a safe and effective method to alleviate symptoms of depression, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health disorders. 

Psilocybin has been shown to be effective at easing fear and anxiety in people with terminal illness and has also proven to increase emotional empathy, creative thinking, mindfulness, and insightfulness in patients.

This time around, the bill has already gained ample support across the political spectrum ranging from left to center to right. Almost half of the Senate has already signed on as co-sponsors, including two Republicans, the Senate majority leader, and the chair of the Labor and Commerce Committee, which will be hearing this bill.

“Combat veterans with PTSD and people recovering from addiction or mental health issues like long-term depression have been very vocal about how psilocybin has dramatically improved their lives when all kinds of more common therapy didn’t work for them,” said Salomon. 
“We are trying to integrate an ancient product into our relatively new system of health and law. With so many people in mental health crises, we can’t afford to deny them a safe and well-regulated path to wellness.”

SB 5263 is modeled after Oregon’s Measure 109 and Colorado’s Proposition 122. After close observation of Oregon’s law, valuable lessons were learned as to what will work best for this bill.

In a state where many residents live with mental illness and a large number have seen their mental health decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Salomon views psychedelic usage — monitored by trained professionals — as a key to healing for some people.

“We need to make sure there is a safe and responsible process to legally participate in psilocybin use in our state,” Salomon added.

Veterans have become leading advocates in the push to allow legal access to psilocybin, sharing personal stories about how their own experiences with psychedelics have helped them cope with trauma and helped treat their anxiety and depression.

The bill is expected to get a hearing in the Legislature in the next weeks.

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.



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Salomon bill would hold people accountable for failing to comply with court ordered drug treatment programs

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Sen. Jesse Salomon D-32
Olympia – Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline) has introduced a bill which would encourage treatment for those found in possession of controlled substances while holding people charged with illegal drug possession accountable for failing to comply with court ordered treatment.

“Working for 15 years as a public defense attorney and child welfare prosecutor, I have worked with thousands of people affected by drug addiction. I believe we need to encourage and fund treatment, but I understand that people in the throes of addiction can’t always make the best choice for themselves and their families,” added Salomon. 
“Therefore, under the bill, if people are convicted of illegal drug possession and refuse treatment, there will be jail time imposed. If they do complete the treatment, the case will be dismissed.”

This bill would provide an opportunity for those arrested for simple possession to receive the help they need and start their path to recovery. The current process in which officers must refer people without allowing any criminal charges would be repealed.

“This is an outside-the-box policy idea that is treatment-forward but with accountability for failure to undergo treatment,” said Salomon. “I have heard from many mayors, community members and police officers that the current referral system is not working. This bill provides a better path.”

First and foremost, this bill is about effective treatment. If the person completes the substance use disorder treatment prior to their conviction being entered, the court would be required to dismiss the charge. If a conviction is entered, the court could not sentence to jail but would order the person to undergo treatment based on their treatment needs. If the person completes the treatment, the conviction would be overturned and dismissed.

If the person willfully abandons or demonstrates a consistent failure to engage in treatment, however, the court would be required to impose at least 45 days of jail.

Under this legislation, the treatment requirement would be subject to the availability of treatment and the availability of funding for it. If treatment or funding were not available, the court would not be allowed to sanction the person with jail time for noncompliance with treatment. This provision protects indigent individuals from being at an unfair disadvantage due to their financial status.

“We appreciate and support this bipartisan proposal that provides incentives to encourage drug rehabilitation and treatment, while holding those who are in unlawful possession of drugs accountable in a compassionate manner. We must break the cycle of drug abuse, provide help to individuals in need, and take back our public spaces for our community and our businesses,” said Steven D. Strachan, Executive Director of the Washington State Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

The bill has already received bipartisan support from three Republican members and 12 Democratic members, including the Senate minority leader.

“We all learned during the failed war on drugs that we can’t arrest or jail our way out of the drug epidemic. But we’re now learning that voluntary programs alone aren’t enough, either. A middle ground that focuses on treatment but has consequences for failing to complete it is the right step forward,” said Shoreline Mayor Keith Scully.

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.



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AG Ferguson files lawsuits against three national pharmacy chains

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Photo by Stephen Foster on Unsplash
Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a lawsuit today against Albertsons, Krogers and Rite Aid, whose pharmacy chains helped fuel Washington state’s opioid epidemic. 

Ferguson asserts the pharmacies served as the last line of defense in the opioid supply chain and failed in their collective responsibility to prevent the overuse of opioid prescriptions.

Ferguson also announced today resolutions with five other companies that produced or sold opioids. This will bring Washington state’s total recoveries to more than $1.1 billion for funding opioid abatement and treatment programs.

These announced resolutions are not final until certain conditions are met: Each company will evaluate the number of states that join then decide whether to proceed with notices to local governments.

“Opioids tore apart Washington families, overburdened our health care system and caused an epidemic of addiction we are still struggling to contain,” Ferguson said. 
“My office won a billion dollars to help fund recovery efforts, but I am not done. I will continue to hold accountable the corporations that enriched themselves off the suffering of Washington families.”

More information here



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AG Ferguson: Walmart to pay $62.6 million to Washington for its role in opioid epidemic

Thursday, December 15, 2022

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that he will sign onto a resolution with Walmart that will bring an estimated $62.6 million to Washington state. 

This resolution from Walmart will bring Washington state’s total recoveries to approximately $802 million to help fund opioid abatement and recovery programs. 

These resources must be used to combat the opioid epidemic.
 
“This is another important step in our fight for accountability for the opioid industry,” Ferguson said. “These resources will increase prevention efforts and help Washingtonians in need.”
Today’s announced resolution is not final until certain conditions are met:At least 43 states must join the resolution, and

  • At least 85% of litigating and non-litigating local governments in the settling states must join.If approved, the amount will be split between the state, county and city governments similar to Washington’s opioid distributor resolution.
  • As part of the resolution, Walmart will tightly monitor opioid prescriptions and prevent patients from seeking multiple prescriptions.
The state’s money would come from a $3.1 billion multistate resolution with Walmart.

More information here

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Naloxone Distribution by Bethel Lutheran Church of Shoreline

Monday, December 5, 2022

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Washington State's Department of Health implemented a standing order last year to dispense Naloxone, an antidote to an opioid-related overdose. 

If you or someone you know may be at risk of an opioid-related overdose and you would like to receive some Naloxone kits, please visit the church 17529 15th Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155 during office hours (Monday -Thursday 9:30am to 4:30pm). Or call the office at 206-362-4334 or email Krista at dce@bethel4all.org to set up an appointment.



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Congress passes bipartisan legislation to eliminate federal mandate for animal testing for new drugs

Sunday, October 9, 2022

Laboratory animal
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Animal Wellness Action and other animal welfare groups lauded U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., the chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), for her crucial role in last week’s passage of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0.

The bill, S.5002, led and introduced by Senators Rand Paul, R-Ky. and Cory Booker, D-N.J., eliminates a federal mandate for animal testing for new drugs and holds the promise of delivering a dramatic reduction in animal testing by pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and government agencies in the United States.

As chair of the committee with jurisdiction over health policy, Senator Murray endorsed the legislation, signaling to all Democrats that the bill warranted their support. 

Senator Richard Burr, R-N.C. and the Ranking Member of HELP, played a similar role by orienting Republicans to support the measure. 

The measure passed by Unanimous Consent on Thursday and now heads to the House, where it is expected to pass after the election.

S. 5002 also includes language from an additional proposed reform, the Reducing Animal Testing Act, authored by Senator Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., to amend the Public Health Service Act to remove the animal testing requirement for biosimilars (biopharmaceutical drugs designed to have active properties similar to drugs that have already been licensed). 

S. 5002 mirrors provisions of the original FDA Modernization Act provision approved as an amendment to S. 4348, the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Landmark Advancements Act, taken up in June by the Senate HELP Committee. There as well, Senator Murray was instrumental in securing committee passage of that amendment, which was the template for S. 5002.

The House approved an FDA Modernization Act amendment to H.R. 7667, the Food and Drug Amendments of 2002, in June. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., the ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, strongly backed the legislation and was instrumental in that measure’s passage.

“Senator Murray and Representative McMorris Rodgers rightly recognize that the United States must lift an archaic animal-testing mandate for drug development and replace that strategy with 21st-century methods grounded on human biology,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action. 
“This is the biggest policy development in Congressional history on the fight to replace animal testing with morally and scientifically superior methods, and we are grateful for the crucial roles that both of these veteran lawmakers are playing on this subject.”

“It’s no small matter for the U.S. Senate to approve this major animal welfare and health-policy measure, and Senator Murray was at the center of the effort,” said Jennifer McCausland, senior vice president for corporate policy for the Center for a Humane Economy. 

“Her seniority has been pivotal in this major outcome to reboot our drug development paradigm.” McCausland is based in Seattle.

“Senator Murray’s support for reducing animal testing in the United States has been instrumental in the progress of this legislation,” added Muriel Van Housen, chair of the board of the Center for a Humane Economy. Ms. Van Housen is also a Washingtonian.

This groundbreaking legislation has the potential in the coming years to reduce the use of millions of animals and to deliver safer, more effective drugs to patients.

Data show that it typically takes 10 to 15 years and an average investment of $1 billion and up to $6 billion for a new drug. Animal tests are typically non-predictive of the human response to drugs, failing in 90 percent of human trials.

Animal Wellness Action is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(4) organization with a mission of helping animals by promoting legal standards forbidding cruelty. We champion causes that alleviate the suffering of companion animals, farm animals, and wildlife. 



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President Biden announces pardons for simple marijuana possession

Saturday, October 8, 2022

Gov. Jay Inslee signs the first set of pardons for misdemeanor
marijuana possession convictions under his Marijuana Justice
Initiative on Jan. 9, 2019.
President Joe Biden announced Thursday that he would pardon all prior federal offenses for simple possession of marijuana. 

The measure aligns with policies and actions already underway by Gov. Jay Inslee, legislators, and courts in Washington state.


“Sending people to jail for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives – for conduct that is legal in many states. 

"That’s before you address the clear racial disparities around prosecution and conviction,” said Biden. 

“Today, we begin to right these wrongs.”

In Washington state, it has not been considered criminal behavior for adults to possess a small amount of marijuana for personal use since voters approved Initiative 502 in 2012

Inslee launched the Marijuana Justice Initiative in 2019 that allows people with prior convictions for misdemeanor marijuana possession to apply for a pardon. Later that year, the Legislature would pass SB 5605, which allowed multiple charges to be vacated and allowed a broader jurisdictional variety of convictions to be vacated. 

The governor has also commuted the sentences of 740 people on probation or under community supervision under older, now-invalid state drug possession law that was overturned by the Washington State Supreme Court’s so-called Blake decision.

“We still have an injustice that thousands of people have a criminal conviction on their records for something that is legal today,” said Inslee in 2019 as he announced his Marijuana Justice Initiative. 
“This is impairing their ability to reach their dreams, live their lives, and raise their children… A simple possession conviction 20 years ago should not be a life sentence.”

Inslee’s Marijuana Justice Initiative continues. People convicted of misdemeanor marijuana possession may still file for their charges to be vacated on the governor’s website.



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AG Ferguson: Half-billion dollars to fight opioid epidemic will start flowing December 1

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that Washington state is set to receive the maximum $518 million under a resolution with three companies found to have played key roles in fueling the opioid epidemic.

All 125 eligible local governments signed onto the half-billion dollar opioid resolution stemming from Ferguson’s lawsuit.

The completion of the resolution ends Ferguson’s lawsuit. The first payments will begin flowing to Washington communities Dec. 1.

After rejecting a national settlement, Ferguson went to trial against McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc. and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corp. in King County Superior Court on Nov. 15, 2021.

The trial lasted six months, and led to a resolution requiring the three Fortune 15 companies to pay a total of $518 million — $46 million more than Washington would have received under the national settlement. 

Ferguson is directing the additional $46 million be used to provide substance abuse treatment and support other strategies to address the opioid crisis, including housing and other wrap-around services.

All 125 jurisdictions joined the resolution, ensuring that the maximum recovery would come to Washington. Local governments will receive a total of $215 million, divided per an agreement negotiated amongst themselves

The state will also receive $215 million to fund opioid remediation, plus the additional $46 million Ferguson is directing to that purpose. In all, more than $476 million will be directed to addressing the opioid epidemic in Washington, paid over a period of 17 years.

More information here



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Tipping the Pain Scale explores systemic failures of dealing with addiction and innovative and controversial solutions

Tuesday, September 27, 2022


Washington Recovery Alliance hosts a Community Screening and Panel Discussion with Feature Subjects of the new Award-Winning Feature Documentary Film, Tipping the Pain Scale, at The Egyptian Theatre, 805 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122 on Sunday, October 9, 2022. Doors open 11am. Film at 12n followed by the panel discussion.


This community screening event will be hosted by the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA) and will feature a panel discussion with subjects from the film, including Lauren Davis, Washington State Representative (D-32nd District), as well as Ricky Garcia (of Ricky’s Law), and community representatives.

Tipping The Pain Scale follows individuals grappling with the current systemic failures of how we have dealt with addiction in communities and their journey to develop and employ new, innovative, and often controversial solutions to the problem. 

It is a quasi-anthology, weaving characters through their own stories as they connect to the issues plaguing all communities and the country in an urgent fight to save lives. It is a positive and uplifting, yet gritty and real, story of redemption and hope in cinema verité style.

“Solving the complex addiction crisis in communities requires diverse sectors of society to come together including public health and faith,” said Greg Williams. 
“The film team is so excited to collaborate with the Washington Recovery Alliance on this event and conversation that won’t spend a lot of time talking about the problem, but where do go from here and what can we all do to play a role in turning the tide on this often-forgotten pandemic impacting more than 40 million Americans and their families directly.”

Rep. Lauren Davis, D-32 is
featured in the film
The film features Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, NFL Pro Bowl Player Darren Waller, Spoken Word Artist and Educator Joseph Green, Washington State Representative Lauren Davis, Community Outreach Volunteer Roz Pichardo, Boston Police Officer Josh De La Rosa, and an original score from Grammy award-winner, Brendan Berry, as well as featuring music from Sia.

“When we provide people with rapid access to quality treatment within their window of willingness, recovery is not only possible but probable. Recovery is not the exception, it’s the rule,” said Rep. Lauren Davis (D-32nd District), and Strategy Director, WRA.

“This film demonstrates the power of story, outreach, compassion, and the true impacts of stigma. So, let's come together as a community to experience these outstanding stories that keep the recovery movement strong to ensure that recovery is a reality for all,” said Ely Hernandez, Executive Director of the WRA.

The screening will be held at Seattle’s historic Egyptian Theater in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, close to many restaurants, coffee shops, bus lines, and the light rail.

The event will include community resource tables, local dignitaries (Rep. Lauren Davis, Ricky Garcia and Ricky’s mother, from Ricky’s Law) who are featured in the film joining us for a Panel Discussion/Q/A directly following the screening, and the opportunity to connect with your recovery community.

Doors open: 11:00am
Film screens: 12:00pm
Panel Discussion directly following the film.

Masks must be worn while indoors except while in your seat. For more information see https://www.siff.net/covid and https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/current-guidance/verify.aspx

The Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA) is a recovery advocacy nonprofit that engages people across Washington state to build a community that celebrates and advocates for recovery.

"Together, we advance mental health and substance use recovery by changing public understanding and shaping pro-recovery public policy."



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Kent man, leader of violent international drug ring, pleads guilty to Federal charges

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Seattle – One of the leaders of a violent international drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in the Puget Sound region pleaded guilty Monday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Seattle. 

Jose Elias Barbosa, 37, of Kent, Washington, faces a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on December 13, 2022.

In his plea agreement, Barbosa admits he was one of the leaders of a transnational drug trafficking organization. Law enforcement has linked the organization to the CJNG cartel in Mexico. 

In November 2019, the DTO received a shipment of liquid methamphetamine concealed in candles. Barbosa helped DTO members to extract the methamphetamine and cook it into crystal form at a Port Orchard, Washington location. 

Barbosa was responsible for the distribution of at least 55 pounds of methamphetamine, 600 grams of heroin, and fentanyl throughout Western Washington and elsewhere.


Barbosa also pursued those who owed drug debts to the organization and possessed firearms during the drug conspiracy. 

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Tacoma Resident Office in partnership with Tahoma Narcotics Enforcement Team (TNET), Kent Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, SeaTac Police Department, Thurston County Narcotics Team (TNT), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).



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Shoreline detectives and K9s score major drug bust

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Kudos to the Shoreline Special Emphasis Team (SET) and Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Detectives for the arrest of one suspect and for taking a large amount of illegal narcotics off the street.

On August 24, 2022 Shoreline SET and CID Detectives executed search warrants in South Everett with the assistance of Precinct 4 SET Detectives, Shoreline K9 Deputy Dallon, his partner Kota, K9 Deputy Keller, his partner Fury and K9 Deputy Planalp and his partner Rex

This has been an ongoing investigation for several months that originated in the City of Shoreline. The narcotics distributed from this location made its way from the City of Everett to the City of Shoreline and surrounding areas.

The search warrant yielded the following:
  • 1 person arrested and booked into KCJ for felony charges
  • 4 cars seized
  • Approx. $109,000 cash seized
  • Cocaine – 1085 grams
  • Heroin – 390 grams
  • Meth – approx. 3 pounds
  • “M 30” fentanyl pills – Approx. 45,000 pills

"A special thank you from Shoreline Police to all the Precinct 4’s SET detective who assisted in this investigation, the teamwork and willingness to assist Shoreline’s Investigation was nothing short of exemplary."



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Roll over accident at N 130th and Aurora

Saturday, July 23, 2022

Scene of collision. Photo courtesy SDOT


A collision on Aurora at 7pm on Friday, July 22, 2022 closed two northbound and two southbound lanes on Aurora between N 130th and N 135th.

Photo courtesy Seattle Police

Officers arrested a driver who crashed his car into another car, causing the second vehicle to flip over. 

No serious injuries were reported and the road was cleared within a half hour. 

The suspect driver will be investigated for DUI.



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